Author Archives: Mint Design Co.

By Don Manley The new year has included changes at the Marco Island unit of the American Cancer Society with two of its mainstays assuming new titles and responsibilities. Lisa Honig, the unit’s former executive director, is now the state ACS’ senior manager for distinguished events for the region extending from Marco to the Tampa area. The unit’s former event coordinator, Sue Olszak has been promoted to its specialist for distinguished events and Relay For Life. They assumed their new posts in January. In her new role, Honig is responsible for all ACS galas and Cattle Barons Balls in her ... Read More »

Donna Fiala donnafiala@colliergov.net Don’t you think this is the busiest year we’ve ever had? I’m not only talking about traffic, but events that are heavily attended, volunteers who are working extra hours, more events than I can remember, and all seem to pile up on the same days because there are only so many days to spread around. And of course, with the price of fuel down, we feel free to drive more places, and others feel more relaxed about driving to Florida………..and who can blame them with the bitter winter they are having up north. I’m glad they are ... Read More »

By Pat Newman Tax season always turns my attention back to spending habits—mine and others. I am not exactly a Ms. Moneybags, nor a penniless pauper. I am somewhere in between. I lust after BOGO sales and celebrate when gas prices drop below $3.00. But I can also shock my debit card with a hefty swipe after a “big occasion” dinner out with family and friends. New Year’s resolutions included a personal promise to monitor my daily spending and figure out why there was always more month than money. I am still working on that, but I determined that spending ... Read More »

Happiness is created for those giving and receiving through volunteer service. That is why the NCH Marco Heathcare Center Auxiliary would like to invite you to join their volunteer program. Whether you prefer patient contact, or assisting staff members we have the perfect volunteer position waiting just for you! Please visit us at www.nchmd.org/volunteer or call the Volunteer Office at 393-4058 to learn how you can give back to the Marco community. We look forward to meeting you! Read More »

Marco Island City Councilors: A brief observation, if I may: Is it this administration’s intention to note the departure of Nancy Richie in a non-descript manner? Environmental Specialist Richie has been the model of any organization’s ideal associate ever since the City’s incorporation. A 24/7 civil and community servant, Nancy Richie was never the standard nine-to-five robotic employee that is today’s accepted standard. Her service deserves more than a mere nod and murmured “Thanks”. Hopefully city council will, at minimum, publicly acknowledge Richie’s devotion and contributions to Marco Island…and to its environs. Russ Colombo Read More »

Submitted The final score was Lely 4 to Naples 2. This is the first win for Lely over Naples in over 20 years. Key players for the game from Lely High School were Vany Palacios 2-4, Savannah Wieben 2-4, RBI and Sivan Palacios 2-4 with a triple. Rebecca Gates got the win on the mound, scattering 6 hits, 1ER, and struck out 4. This is the first win for Lely over Naples in over 20 years. The coach commented, “This was a great win for the girls. Anytime you can play a program like Naples, it is always a good ... Read More »

Submitted The Marco Island Police Department now manages the Code Enforcement function within the City. In keeping with our community policing model, the Department is making several changes, and would like to brief you on one very important improvement. In the past, Code Enforcement had a separate telephone number (389-5060) which was answered Monday – Friday during business hours, when code personnel were in their offices. During the evenings, weekends or time periods when code officers were in the field, phone calls were sent to voicemail. Effective immediately all calls placed to 389-5060 will be automatically routed to the Police Department non-emergency ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff Marco Island Florist and Gifts is proud to host “Wine Wednesday” on Februray 25th 3-5 with special guest MAGIC BY JOHN ROBERT. STONEWALLS will join us to pair a food item with a wine choice from our worldwide collection here at Marco Island Florist and Gifts. Tasty treats from Stonewall’s will be served. “We use only the freshest ingredients and serve upscale food favorites” says owner Kim Burke. Stonewall’s has been family owned and operated since 2012. We are also very pleased to announce a very special guest by Magician JOHN ROBERT, who is known ... Read More »

By Pat Newman Tuesday, February 24th marks the opening of the 11th Annual Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Festival in Everglades City. This five-day historical event is a tribute to Douglas, who as an early environmentalist and professional journalist, made legislators, developers and the general public take notice of the tremendous importance of the Florida Everglades as an eco-system. Her book, “Everglades: River of Grass,” was published in 1947 and opened up the minds of naturalists and Florida residents alike that the system was not just a swamp but a key to the life of the state. The event features a series ... Read More »

Submitted Friends of Tigertail Beach is hosting “Discover Tigertail”, February 21, 2015 from 9AM to noon. This is a free family program that addresses the marine life and other wildlife that inhabit the Tigertail Beach lagoon. There will be nine “information stations” spotted around the lagoon. Take part in seining for creatures from the lagoon or enjoy hands-on activities about loggerhead sea turtles, shore birds, sharks, butterflies, plants, seashells and more. Our specialists are from Rookery Bay, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and the Marco Shell Club. Featured again this year, will be the very popular scavenger hunt, “Question Quest”, enjoyed ... Read More »

By Steve Gimmestad steve@coastalbreezenews.com The streets of Marco Island were a little less crowded on Tuesday, February 10, and now we know why. The Marco Island Center for the Arts held its regular “Second Tuesday Reception” by hosting the opening of the Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation’s exhibit “Bald Eagle and Wildlife Art”. This was the highest attendance of all “Second Tuesday Receptions” at the Center and the exhibit was filled wall-to-wall with supporters of this worthy cause. Patrons lined up out the door to experience artist’s work of Bald Eagles and other protected wildlife to support the foundation’s efforts. “We ... Read More »

Submitted The Marco Island Prayer Breakfast will host war hero Benjamin Sledge as the speaker at their annual event being held Tuesday, February 24th from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Marco Marriott Hotel. Ben Sledge is a wounded combat veteran of the United States Army with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan under the Special Operations Command. He served for 11 years and is the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and two Army Commendation Medals. After leaving the military, he began working for Strategic Forecasting (more commonly known as Stratfor) as a junior designer, moving up the ranks to become ... Read More »

By Val Simon val@coastalbreezenews.com They say babies are beautiful so your mind forgets the negative aspects of having them. That is true not only in the human world, but with animals as well! Breezy is the perfect example, he was the cutest puppy in the world, so when he did something bad, he would look up at you and melt your heart. Who could be upset with that cuteness? Breezy has been growing by leaps and bounds. A neighbor exclaimed, “My gosh, he grows a foot every day!” Hard to imagine, but the little puppy quickly grew bigger. And bigger. ... Read More »

Submitted Cuddly stuffed polar bears are now available to purchase and will be handed out to children in local hospitals. Sponsored by the Marco Island Shell gas station, these soft, plush bears will comfort children who are patients. The proceeds of the bears are being donated to a general fund for research, services and treatments by the Marco Island Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Having cancer is a bear for anyone, especially for children. Sponsoring a bear will help ease the pain. The polar bears are in keeping with this year’s theme for the 2015 Imagination Ball being held ... Read More »

By Roger LaLonde roger@coastalbreezenews.com The Marco Island Manta Rays, undersized and undermanned, did what they have done all season in the Class 2A regional quarterfinal game against Sarasota Christian on Feb. 12. They fought. The Rays played with valor against all odds and stayed in the game early against a team that had many weapons, losing 80-52. The Rays ended with a best-ever record of 16-7, winning its Class 2A-District 10 championship for the second straight time. Pretty good after just four seasons. Coach Roger Raymond used a four-corners offense to slow down the game and it worked early. In ... Read More »

By Val Simon val@coastalbreezenews.com The 2015 Kiwanis Car Show did not disappoint classic car enthusiasts. Over 200 waxed, buffed and shined autos were on display at the Marco Healthcare Center grounds. It was a great day strolling under beautiful Marco Island skies and close to 3700 people took advantage of the opportunity to look under the hoods, check out interiors and peruse the glistening paint jobs. Whether your interest was in muscle cars, sports cars, antique cars, hot rods or specialty cars, there was something to see. Students from the Marco Island Academy Key Club assisted their parent Kiwanis Club. ... Read More »

Submitted The Marco Island Meals of Hope project feeds hungry children and their family’s right here in Collier County. The 2015 packaging event will take place on Saturday November 14th at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. There is a ton of fundraising work to do between now and then to pay for the raw food materials that we package into meals. The packaging event is a joint effort of the Marco Island Sunrise and the Noontime Rotary Clubs and the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island. Tell any friends or family who have a soft spot in their hearts for hungry children to go ... Read More »

Submitted Marco Island Center for the Arts announced tickets are now available for the performance of Musica Bella at the Center on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. The production is a cooperative venture with the Cultural and Performing Arts Center of Naples, Florida. Musica Bella was originally formed in 2009 as the “Rauschenburg Quartet.” Performing on flute, violin, cello and piano (and occasionally using historical instruments such as the baroque flute and harpsichord) the musicians transport the listeners to another time and place. The evening will feature a musical journey from baroque to jazz. Members of Musica Bella ... Read More »